P ROGRAMME - The Rex Berkhamsted · 2019. 4. 3. · music. Beautiful. Page 21 Everything Is...

CAROLJANUARY 2016

P R O G R A M M E

JANUARY 2016 • ISSUE 130 01442 877759Mon-Sat 10.30-6.30pm Sun 4.30-5.30pm

www.therexberkhamsted.com

“possibly Britain’s most beautiful cinema..” (BBC)Britain’s Best Cinema – Guardian Film Awards 2014

CONTENTS

Films At A Glance 16-17

Rants and Pants 24-26

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“ Unhesitatingly The Rex is the best cinema I have ever..” (STimes Culture)

BEST IN JANUARY

FILMS OF THE MONTH

Sunset SongA visual feast of wilderness love and loss from the Britain’s most

passionate director: Terence DaviesPage 19

Hand GesturesArtisan sculptors working with centuries old tools to produce

today’s Bronzes. No talk over, no music. Beautiful. 1

Everything Is IlluminatedA heart lifting heartbreaking Rex perennial to welcome in a brave

new year. Page 14

True RomanceThe late Tony Scott animates

Tarantino’s screenplay in this 1993 classic road-thriller.

Page 21

Star MenA different kind of visual feast…

looking up at the stars. A stunning documentary of the heavens.

Page 13

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Hotel Transylvania 2As vampire movies go, this is about as pleasing as they get. Expect a sugar rush of colours, slapstick silliness, and movie monster references that may or may not go over your head.With Dracula’s daughter Mavis (voiced by Selena Gomez) now a young mother with her human husband Johnny (Andy Samberg), she’s worried about raising her child in Transylvania. Dracula (Adam Sandler) and his band of buddies (voiced by Steve Buscemi, Kevin James, David Spade and others) conspire in a series of elaborate tricks to convince her not to move to California. It ends in a messy chase and Mel Brooks doing his 2000-year-old-man voice as Dracula’s father. (Guardian)I have a fondness for director Genndy Tartakovsky’s earlier work: Dexter’s Lab, Samurai Jack to name two, but this feels more like a contractual obligation than anything from his creative wellspring. Hotel Transylvania 2 doesn’t have much for adults to sink their teeth into, but for kids it’s fun. Can we all take a minute to appreciate only having to put up with Adam Sandler’s voice? Brings joy to my heart. (Jack Whiting) and ours too Jack, well said.

Director: Genndy TartakovskyVoices: Adam Sandler, Selena Gomez,

Nick OffermanDuration: 89 minsOrigin: USA 2015Certificate: U Company: Sony Pictures Releasing

When...Sat 2 2.00

www.therexberkhamsted.com THE REX - JANUARY 9

The Lady In The VanAs with The History Boys, Nicholas Hytner has adapted a stage hit for the big screen from his time as the artistic director of the National Theatre. The Lady in the Van sees Maggie Smith reprise the role she first played in the 1999 stage production of the Alan Bennett play. She is Miss Shepherd, who lived in a van on the driveway of Alan Bennett’s north London home between 1974 and 1989. If the set looks authentic, that’s because the film is shot on location in the real street in Bennett’s real house.Bennett is simultaneously irritated, kindly and secretly delighted to have such a rich and pungent source of material on his doorstep. Miss Shepherd’s mysterious past, her fear of policemen and the rumour that she was a pianist or a nun, all fascinate him. The excellent Alex Jennings plays two versions of Bennett the literary observer and the participant. “I live, you write, that’s how it works,” says Bennett to Bennett.“This is a lavish gift of a role for Ms Smith. She makes this hardy troglodyte a tottering, staggering force of nature, determined to owe nothing to anybody.” (Telegraph)

When...Sat 2 7.00Sun 3 6.00Mon 4 7.30

Tue 5 2.00Wed 6 2.00Thu 7 2.00

Director: Nicholas HytnerCast: Maggie Smith, Alex JenningsDuration: 104 minsOrigin: UK 2015Certificate: 12A Company: Columbia Pictures Corporation Ltd

BrooklynDirector John Crowley and writer Nick Hornby have empathetically adapted Colm Tóibín’s 2009 bestselling novel in this graceful masterpiece starring the disturbing child/teen star (Atonement) now a magical grown up: Saorse Ronan.We begin in 1950s Ireland, as young Eilis Lacey (Ronan) is persuaded to up-sticks to America, leaving behind her small town to start anew in New York. She soon falls in love with an Italian plumber, Tony (Emory Cohen) and Brooklyn begins to feel like home. When Eilis is suddenly drawn back to Ireland, she pledges to return, but finds herself torn when she gets home. A classic love story, but don’t for a second think it meek or mild. The acting is cool and easy, the writing intelligent and richly literate. Period details of 1950s New York are breathtaking. By sheer force of quality in every respect, Brooklyn is an astonishingly good film, the kind ‘they don’t make anymore’. How lucky for us.“Saorse Ronan is one of the most intelligent and compelling screen presences of her generation.” (Guardian) “Brooklyn has an old-fashioned perfection so incandescent and so winning, that it’s almost spooky.” (FT) Might well win things, perhaps even your heart? Don’t miss.

Director: John CrowleyCast: Saoirse Ronan, Domhnall Gleeson,

Julie WaltersDuration: 112 minsOrigin: Ireland/UK 2015Certificate: 12A Company: Lionsgate Films UK

A Walk In The WoodsA Walk in the Woods is based on a memoir by travel writer, Bill Bryson. Stubbornly resisting old age and obsolescence, Bryson (Robert Redford) determines to hike the entire Appalachian Trail, bringing along his estranged ex-travel buddy Stephen (Nick Nolte) when everyone else refuses the invitation.Bill is looking for something to occupy his time after a recent book’s publication and to shake off a feeling of fatalism after a friend’s death. The notion does not appeal to his wife Catherine (Emma Thompson).But the trek begins, with running gags immediately and pleasingly about the pair’s age, Bill’s commitment to experiencing the Trail properly contrasts with Stephen’s commitment to cut corners and chase women. There are marauding bears and difficulties with bathroom activities in the great outdoors.“Blessed by Bryson himself (who has turned down several attempts to film his books) this is a rambling and episodic Road-Movie. The fine underplaying of Redford contrasts with the naturally broader Nolte (who sounds like he’s been gargling razor blades).” (LA Times) It’s great to see Redford back on wisecracking Sundance form. You might gradually warm to Nick Nolte, but where’s Paul Newman when you need him?

Director: Ken KwapisCast: Robert Redford, Emma Thompson,

Nick NolteDuration: 104 minsOrigin: USA 2015Certificate: 15 Company: Entertainment One UK

When...Tue 5 7.30Wed 6 7.30

When...Mon 4 2.00



Bridge Of SpiesIn 1957, the US and Soviet Union were in the height of the Cold War. But this was not a war filled with bloodshed and trenches; this was a war of spies. Both sides employed spies to report on the nuclear capabilities of the other, and this is where the film begins. We meet James B. Donovan (Tom Hanks) a lawyer who is recruited by the CIA to defend a Soviet spy, Rudolf Abel (Mark Rylance) much to the dismay of his family and his country. But as the court case is coming along, it becomes compromised by an international exchange deal. The Soviet Abel for a US spy-plane pilot, Gary Powers, recently shot down by the Russians. This is the latest in a run of collaborations between Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks, beginning with Saving Private Ryan in 1998 This new film does not disappoint, with some saying it is their best partnership yet.“Bridge of Spies connects Cold War paranoia to today’s terror. A bridge worth building.” (LA Weekly)‘Who doesn’t like to cozy up to an old-school spy thriller that knows how to build tension and tighten it?’ (Rolling Stone) Tom Hanks has become Mr Christmas!

Director: Steven SpielbergCast: Tom Hanks, Mark RylanceDuration: 141 minsOrigin: USA 2015Certificate: 12A Company: Twentieth Century Fox

When...Thu 7 7.30Fri 8 7.30Sat 9 7.00

Mon 11 2.00Tue 12 2.00Sat 16 7.00


Snoopy & Charlie Brown: The Peanuts MovieCharles M. Schulz’s comic strips spring to life once more in this utterly charming outing for Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Lucy, Linus and the gang.Commemorating the 65th anniversary of the comic strip and 50th anniversary of the classic TV special A Charlie Brown Christmas, this is their first time in 35 years on the big screen.More a string of sub-plots rather than one over-arching story, this has the feel of a greatest hits album, something of a love letter, capturing all the classic moments that have helped shaped Schulz’s beloved ‘Peanuts’.And for all the CGI gloss, The Peanuts Movie remains completely true to its original values providing a perfect blend of humour and tenderness certain to strike a chord with young and old hippies.“A meticulously faithful and clearly loving tribute to America’s favourite blockhead” (Times)“From the opening, familiar Vince Guaraldi piano chords it’s clear that director Steve Martino is taking a “don’t fix what ain’t broke” approach with all this.” (Guardian)“The Peanuts Movie is deeply rooted in the look and tone of Schulz’s soulful comic strip.” (TIME)(research Chris Coetsee) It’s back to late 60’s tank tops bad beards and the worst hair for those who loved Charlie Brown. Even better now bald. Bring the street.

Director: Steve MartinoVoices: Noah Schnapp, Bill Melendez Duration: 93 minsOrigin: USA 2015Certificate: U Company: Twentieth Century Fox

When...Sat 9 2.00Sat 23 2.00

Star*Men“I’m 76 and I’m aware that I shall not live forever,” he states calmly. “I’d like to follow my stars a little while longer”. You may be forgiven for thinking this is a philosophical sigh, but the primary meaning is beautifully literal.Donald Lynden-Bell, Roger Griffin, Neville “Nick” Woolf and Wallace Sargent are four eminently likable and distinguished academics who appear like gentlemen explorers as they retrace their young student steps to hike in the burning sun to reach the remarkable Rainbow Bridge in Utah. On the way, they chat about astronomy, the unimaginably vast reaches of the universe, about life on other planets and on our own. An emotional and well-constructed documentary, Star Men does well not to patronise or be patronised, and there is enough scientific content to explore the biographies of these great men without making it inaccessible to those unacquainted with science.Star Men could be likened to the would-be 50-year reunion of the beloved Big Bang Theory nerds – full of comedic anecdotes and scientific achievements, whilst humanising some of the most brilliant minds in the world. (research Jack Whiting). It is fabulous and quite extraordinary. Don’t miss.

Director: Alison E. RoseDuration: 88 minsOrigin: UK/Canada/US 2015Certificate: PG Company: Verve Pictures Ltd

The DressmakerKate Winslet stars as a 1950s fashionista out for revenge in Jocelyn Moorhouse’s Australian set film.An adaptation of the novel by Rosalie Ham, glamorous dressmaker Tilly Dunnage (Winslet) returns to her dusty backwater hometown after twenty years. “I’m back, you bastards”, she mutters to herself upon arrival. Tilly’s dark history is gradually revealed as she confronts indelible historic accusations of having committed murder in childhood. Wiggling around in figure-hugging couture, Tilly proceeds to cause a stir amongst the townsfolk who still despise her. Scores are settled and dresses are made. Liam Hemsworth appears using deep method-acting techniques to get into the roll of buff torsoed local boy, bronzed, waxed and oiled. A whirlwind in both plot and tone, lurching between noir and rom-com, creeping over the bathtub of soapy melodrama and back again. As vibrant as it is schizophrenic, the delicious costumes and coiffures alone are reason enough to endure this batty tale.“The film-maker’s adaptation of author Rosalie Ham’s much-loved debut novel of the same name embraces its dark humour and runs with it all the way to the morgue.” (Guardian)Back by request, see if you would.

Director: Jocelyn MoorhouseCast: Kate Winslet, Liam HemsworthDuration: 118 minsOrigin: Australia 2015Certificate: 12A Company: Entertainment Film Distribution

When...Mon 11 7.30

When...Sun 10 6.00Mon 18 2.00Tue 19 2.00, 7.30



Everything Is IlluminatedBack because everybody must see it… From nowhere in 2005, A-list actor and here screenwriter and director, Liev Schreiber, put this film together.Come for Eugene Hutz’s perplexed Alex, our ‘guide’ and his gorgeous narration. Much of the haunting filmscore is from him, and his band (at the station) ‘Gogol Bordello’.This extraordinary film was a lovely surprise on its first outing here in February 2006. It is based on a true story adapted from Jonathan Safran Foer’s best-seller. ‘Jonfen’ (Elijah Wood) is an obsessive collector, who travels from America in search of the woman he believes saved his grandfather when a small Ukranian town was wiped-out by the Nazis. Armed with a yellowing photograph, he begins his search with the unlikely Alex, Alex’s grandad (Boris Leskin) and their “seeing-eye” bitch. While Eugene’s butchery of the English language and passion for all things American gets on Jonfen’s nerves, it wins the audience from the beginning. You will be glad to be in the presence of every word and gesture from each of them. It is as surprising as it is beautiful. It will touch you. It will fill your heart long after you leave and for years to come…

Director: Liev SchreiberCast: Eugene Hutz, Elijah Wood, Jonathan

Safran FoerDuration: 90 minsOrigin: USA 2005Certificate: 12A Company: Warner Brothers Ents

When...Tue 12 7.30Wed 13 2.00


CarolCate Blanchett and Rooney Mara star in this exquisite, melancholic period piece. Directed by Todd Haynes, an adaptation of Patricia Highsmith’s 1952 novel The Price of Salt, Carol charts a secret lesbian love affair in Fifties New York.Carol (Blanchett) is a glittering, glamorous housewife. She meets shop assistant Therese (Mara) in the lead up to Christmas 1952, at the Manhattan department store. What begins magnetically builds into a bittersweet forbidden love, tainted by the turmoil of its taboo. Their relationship is amplified within the quintessential 1950s framing, juxtaposing the two women’s wildly transgressive love affair with deep poignancy. Then there are the details. The impeccable costume and production design are richly meticulous, and the grainy 16mm film cinematography makes for delicious viewing: think moody, jewel-toned cafe scenes à la Edward Hopper. Carol is a beautiful, potent triumph. Unquestionably the new benchmark for period pieces to come.“It’s jazz and poetry and just wonderful… More than hugely accomplished cinema, it’s an exquisite work of American art” (Telegraph)“Blanchett manages to give a 1950s housewife the pathos and grandeur of a tragic heroine” (Independent)“An exquisite brush of a coral-polished fingernail, a pulse of expensive scent and if looks could… thrill.” (Times) Oscar Cate again.

When...Wed 13 7.30Thur 14 2.00, 7.30Wed 20 2.00, 7.30Thur 21 2.00, 7.30

Director: Todd HaynesCast: Cate Blanchett, Rooney MaraDuration: 119 minsOrigin: UK/USA/France 2015Certificate: 15 Company: Studiocanal

16 THE ODYSSEY - JANUARY www.odysseypictures.co.uk

DATE FILM TIME

1 FRI CINEMACLOSED–NEWYEARSDAY2 SAT BUGSYMALONE 2.002 SAT BRIDGEOFSPIES 7.003 SUN THEDRESSMAKER 1.303 SUN SPECTRE 6.004 MON THELADYINTHEVAN 2.004 MON BRIDGEOFSPIES 7.305 TUE THELADYINTHEVAN 2.00,7.306 WED THELADYINTHEVAN 2.00,7.307 THU THELADYINTHEVAN 7.308 FRI HUNGERGAMES:MOCKINGJAY-PART2 7.309 SAT HOTELTRANSYLVANIA2 2.009 SAT VICTORFRANKENSTEIN 7.0010 SUN CAROL 1.30,6.0011 MON CAROL 2.00,7.3012 TUE CAROL 2.00,7.3013 WED BRIDGEOFSPIES 2.00,7.3014 THU BRIDGEOFSPIES 7.3015 FRI SURPRISE1STANNIVERSARYFILM 7.3016 SAT SNOOPY&CHARLIEBROWN: THEPEANUTSMOVIE 2.00,7.0017 SUN DRZHIVAGO 4.3018 MON SUFFRAGETTE 7.3019 TUE SUNSETSONG 2.00,7.3020 WED AWALKINTHEWOODS 2.0020 WED TRUEROMANCE 7.3021 THU THELADYINTHEVAN 7.3022 FRI STARWARS:THEFORCEAWAKENS 7.3023 SAT THEGOODDINOSAUR 2.0023 SAT STARWARS:THEFORCEAWAKENS 7.0024 SUN THEGOODDINOSAUR 1.3024 SUN STARWARS:THEFORCEAWAKENS 6.0025 MON STARWARS:THEFORCEAWAKENS 2.0025 MON BROOKLYN 7.3026 TUE STARWARS:THEFORCEAWAKENS 2.0026 TUE BROOKLYN 7.3027 WED STARWARS:THEFORCEAWAKENS 2.00,7.3028 THU STARWARS:THEFORCEAWAKENS 7.3029 FRI INTHEHEARTOFTHESEA 7.3030 SAT SNOOPY&CHARLIEBROWN: THEPEANUTSMOVIE 2.0030 SAT INTHEHEARTOFTHESEA 7.0031 SUN INTHEHEARTOFTHESEA 1.30,6.00

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DATE FILM TIME PAGE

1 FRI CINEMACLOSED–NEWYEARSDAY 2 SAT HOTELTRANSYLVANIA2 2.00 82 SAT THELADYINTHEVAN 7.00 93 SUN THELADYINTHEVAN 6.00 94 MON AWALKINTHEWOODS 2.00 104 MON THELADYINTHEVAN 7.30 95 TUES THELADYINTHEVAN 2.00 95 TUES BROOKLYN 7.30 106 WED THELADYINTHEVAN 2.00 96 WED BROOKLYN 7.30 107 THU THELADYINTHEVAN 2.00 97 THU BRIDGEOFSPIES 7.30 118 FRI BRIDGEOFSPIES 7.30 119 SAT SNOOPY&CHARLIEBROWN:THEPEANUTSMOVIE 2.00 129 SAT BRIDGEOFSPIES 7.00 1110 SUN THEDRESSMAKER 6.00 1311 MON BRIDGEOFSPIES 2.00 1111 MON STARMEN 7.30 1312 TUES BRIDGEOFSPIES 2.00 1112 TUES EVERYTHINGISILLUMINATED 7.30 1413 WED EVERYTHINGISILLUMINATED 2.00 1413 WED CAROL 7.30 1514 THU CAROL 2.00,7.30 1515 FRI SICARIO 7.30 1816 SAT HUNGERGAMES:MOCKINGJAY-PART2 2.00 1816 SAT BRIDGEOFSPIES 7.00 1117 SUN SPECIALEVENT:SUNSETSONG Q&AWITHDIRECTORTERENCEDAVIES 6.00 1918 MON THEDRESSMAKER 2.00 1318 MON SUNSETSONG 7.30 1919 TUES THEDRESSMAKER 2.00,7.30 1320 WED CAROL 2.00,7.30 1521 THU CAROL 2.00,7.30 1522 FRI INTHEHEARTOFTHESEA 7.30 2023 SAT SNOOPY&CHARLIEBROWN:THEPEANUTSMOVIE 2.00 1223 SAT INTHEHEARTOFTHESEA 7.00 2024 SUN INTHEHEARTOFTHESEA 6.00 2025 MON INTHEHEARTOFTHESEA 2.00 2025 MON HANDGESTURES 7.30 2126 TUES INTHEHEARTOFTHESEA 2.00 2026 TUES TRUEROMANCE 7.30 2127 WED SUNSETSONG 2.00 1927 WED STARWARS:THEFORCEAWAKENS 7.30 2228 THU STARWARS:THEFORCEAWAKENS 2.00,7.30 2229 FRI STARWARS:THEFORCEAWAKENS 7.30 2230 SAT THEGOODDINOSAUR 2.00 2330 SAT STARWARS:THEFORCEAWAKENS 7.00 2231 SUN STARWARS:THEFORCEAWAKENS 6.00 22

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Hunger Games: Mockingjay, Part 2Bleak and unrelenting in its tone and visuals; the final (final) part of this consistently brilliant series is heavy going, but utterly satisfying.This new last film starts with a traumatised Katniss Everdeen with her neck in a brace and barely able to speak. To compound her misery, her beloved Peeta (Josh Hutcherson) has been tortured and brainwashed by President Snow (Donald Sutherland on fine Machiavellian form) into believing she is a monster. She is not sure that he is far wrong.Together with Gale (Liam Hemsworth), and others, Katniss ventures to the Capitol. She is supposed to be part of the propaganda drive by the rebels as they seek to liberate the citizens of Panem, but her real intention is to make Snow pay in person for all the suffering she has endured.It’s all doom and gloom, with little in the way of the kitsch elements that made the first two films so endearing (no games here, just war). Still, Lawrence is just as captivating and Philip Seymour Hoffman too, gives a touching final screen performance. Sadly, he died in February last year. Reminding us how long it takes to milk a final episode release date.

Director: Francis LawrenceCast: Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson,

Liam HemsworthDuration: 137 minsOrigin: USA 2015Certificate: 12A Company: Lionsgate UK Ltd

SicarioIt’s true that strong performances and ballsy filmmaking can elevate a familiar narrative, and this violent narco thriller from Denis Villenueve is such a film.Similar to Jessica Chastain in Zero Dark Thirty, Emily Blunt stands out from her machismo surroundings by carving out a tough role in FBI agent Kate Mercer. Kate is drafted into a mysterious, agency-merging task force established to bait and bring down a key cartel leader. While her requests for information are blocked at nearly every turn: she’s not even sure if her rule-bending team leader (Josh Brolin) belongs to the CIA or not. Still, he’s a positive chatterbox compared to Alejandro (Benicio Del Toro) a quietly lethal ex-prosecutor with a personal stake in the hunt. Good guys and bad guys largely wear the same hats in this ethical minefield.Villenueve (Indencies, Prisoners) once again recruiting legendary director of photography Roger Deakins, turns Mexico into a visceral, utterly gripping and terrifying warzone; the suspense will leave you breathless. It is his tantalising Blade Runner sequel that we are holding our breath for next. (research Jack Whiting) Edgy edge of the seat, tough guy stuff. With Del Toro a menacing Oscar contender. Don’t miss.

Director: Denis Villeneuve Cast: Emily Blunt, Josh Brolin,

Benicio Del ToroDuration: 121 minsOrigin: USA 2015Certificate: 15 Company: Lionsgate Films UK

When...Sat 16 2.00

When...Fri 15 7.30



Sunset SongLewis Grassic Gibbon’s classic 1932 novel, lovingly adapted by director Terence Davies.Set in rural Scotland on the eve of the Great War, the story centres around passionate and strong-willed Chris Guthrie (Agneyss Deyn). We follow her as she transitions from girlhood to womanhood, moving through exquisite highs as a new bride, to the grim lows of a war that shatters her reality.Mostly, Sunset Song is an indulgently picturesque trip but don’t get too snug. A fundamental hard edge keeps the film well out of the trappings of soppy, sentimental period drama. The real power here lies in the raw and intense portrayals of the film’s darker themes, which translate to sobering effect. Parallels are repeatedly drawn between Chris’s life and the less-than-forgiving landscape that she so adores, all portrayed by stunning cinematography that translates masterfully.An emotionally intelligent, muted drama with a pure and painterly beauty. This isn’t one for those who seek frills and flounce from their period pieces. Sunset Song offers something altogether richer, deeper, more brutal. The kind of sombre drama that leaves one’s memory sublimely stained.“A lyrical triumph” (Observer)“Magical” (FT) Not to be missed.

When...Sun 17 6.00Mon 18 7.30Wed 27 2.00

Director: Terence DaviesCast: Agyness Deyn, Peter Mullan,

Kevin GuthrieDuration: 135 minsOrigin: UK/Luxembourg 2015Certificate: 15 Company: Metrodome


In The Heart Of The SeaDirector Ron Howard is at the helm of this gargantuan high sea affair. In the Heart of the Sea tells the true story of whaling ship Essex that became stranded at sea for 90 days, a story that originally inspired Herman Melville to conjure his 1851 masterpiece Moby Dick.Owen Chase (Hemsworth) along with Capt Pollard (Benjamin Walker) and his modest crew are attacked mid-voyage by a huge seemingly enraged sperm whale, splitting the ship in two and leaving the survivors shipwrecked more than 1000 miles from land. His shrewd filmmaking, Howard successfully produces a blend of drama and horror, showing us the grisly images that are bound to make today’s audience recoil yet managing to convey the excitement of a job so dangerous. A true example of a film made-for-big-cinema.“Howard puts heart, soul and every computerised whale trick in the book into crafting a seafaring adventure to rock your boat.” (Rolling Stone)“It’s a harrowing tale that still packs an entertaining wallop.” (Observer)“Hemsworth’s botched New England accent [shout me an old England accent] and all, this is movie star material.” (Guardian) Oh dear: ‘rock your boat’ ‘wallop’ and ‘botched’ (estate agents to Seamen everywhere) (research Chis Coetsee) Blubber them all. Fabulous. Don’t miss.

Director: Ron HowardCast: Chris Hemsworth, Cillian Murphy,

Ben WhishawDuration: 122 minsOrigin: USA 2015Certificate: 12A Company: Warner Brothers Ents

When...Fri 22 7.30Sat 23 7.00Sun 24 6.00

Mon 25 2.00Tue 26 2.00

True RomanceTony Scott directs and Quentin Tarantino smears his stamp all over the screenplay for this 1993 modern classic (slid snugly between Reservoir Dogs in 92 and Pulp Fiction 1994). Enter our young couple: Clarence, (Christian Slater) a comic-book-geek turned con man, and Alabama (Patricia Arquette), a bombshell call girl, innocent enough. The couple set off on a cross-country getaway, but not without five million dollars of stolen cocaine in the trunk. Christopher Walken plays a mob boss who hasn’t “killed anyone since 1984” until he flippantly pulls the trigger. Brad Pitt features horizontally, as a cheery stoner. The nonlinear narrative sees scenes lurching, as violent as the plot itself, but this only adds to the brash, manic absurdity of it all. True Romance is a self-referential overture to all the good-bad action flicks. The lurid stereotypes, sleaze, filth, and overblown gore you will expect are present and correct. “True Romance’ contains more crunchy punch-ups, genius casting choices and moments of real, honest emotion than Tarantino’s entire post ‘Pulp’ output put together.” (Time Out) “The whole thing rattles along like that pink Cadillac they’re driving.” (Guardian) (research Emma Filippides) Looking forward to this one I missed in 93.

Director: Tony ScottCast: Christian Slater, Patricia Arquette,

Dennis Hopper, Christopher WalkenDuration: 119 minsOrigin: France/USA 1993Certificate: 18 Company: Park Circus

Hand GesturesFrancesco Clerici’s debut feature is one of traditional artisan craft. We observe brass sculpture artisans at the 100-year-old Fonderia Artistica Battaglia in Milan as they manufacture a single sculpture for contemporary Italian artist Velasco Vitali. The ‘lost-wax’ techniques employed at the foundry have been passed down unwritten through aural traditions, detailing processes that have changed little since the Bronze Age. What Hand Gestures lacks in dramatic arc it more than compensates with enchanting, immersive effect. Free of any spoken script or soundtrack- bar the orchestral hums of machinery and sloppy slaps of wax on wax, this is a meditative observational experience of traditional artisans at work. By the measured pace of its progress, and the delightful specificity of its subject matter, audiences will be transfixed by the seemingly instinctive, fastidious processes of these artisans.“The assiduous process will not hold much appeal for those waiting impatiently for an X-wing fighter chase, but as with the goop, there are layers of craft in evidence”. (Irish Times) uh?“Austere, meditative, inscrutable, fascinating – Hand Gestures is the kind of documentary that is made all too rarely in this age of spoonfed soundbites and burbling talking heads”. (Guardian) (research Emma Filippides) Meditative, beautiful and real.

Director: Francesco ClericiCast: Velasco Vitali, Nicolae CiortanDuration: 77 minsOrigin: Italy 2015Certificate: U Company: Hand Gestures Films

When...Tue 26 7.30

When...Mon 25 7.30



Star Wars: The Force Awakens‘In JJ we trust’ has become a well-known motto since Abrams, together with Disney, took on the responsibility of bringing back Star Wars from the burnt wreckage left by George Lucas.The Empire may have fallen, but the from its ashes rises a new threat in the form of the First Order (think space Nazis), led by the mysterious Kylo Ren (Adam Driver) a man obsessed with continuing Darth Vader’s legacy. Fin, a startrooper (John Boyega) abandons his post, hoping there’s more to life than a white plastic suit and flees to a desert wasteland where he meets young scavenger Rey (Daisy Ridley). Together with a fabulously greyer Han Solo (Harrison Ford) and Chewie they uncover a secret war that is brewing between this sinister order, and a band of resistance fighters, led by General (Princess) Leia (Carrie Fisher).This JJ Abrams’ The Force Awakens brings balance to Lucas’s preposterous prequels. No one was expecting to see another Star Wars film, let alone one that reunites Luke, Han, and Leia. It is a good time to be alive. (research Jack Whiting) With the Rex’s own Lisa Tomblin, JJ’s own chosen on set Head of Hair throughout, you’ll see Princess Leia’s classic, edgy new look.

Director: J. J. AbramsCast: Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, John

Boyega, Andy Serkis, Max von SydowDuration: 135 minsOrigin: USA 2015Certificate: 12A Company: Walt Disney Studios

When...Wed 27 7.30Thur 28 2.00, 7.30Fri 29 7.30Sat 30 7.00Sun 31 6.00


The Good DinosaurWhat if the asteroid that killed the dinosaurs missed Earth? Pixar gifts us with the second of their double helping this year with a ‘what if’ scenario that follows the adventures of a dinosaur and his human companion.Beautifully rendered to almost prehistoric oops sorry photorealistic… perfection The Good Dinosaur sees Arno, youngest in a family of Apatosauruses, witness his father tragically falling. Blaming a feral human child, Arno flees his family and becomes lost in the prehistoric wilderness. So, as you might expect, this innocent child becomes the key to Arno finding his way home. Perhaps it’s our own fault for expecting so much from Pixar studios these days, spoilt by their near flawless consistency that even something as sumptuous as this could be deemed a misstep. Still, its playful nature will delight children. It was never going to be easy following Inside Out, so The Good Dinosaur sits comfortably at the end of the kid-friendly scale. But even a B grade Pixar production still outshines the majority of its competitors. (research Jack Whiting) Very good Jack, but get off your Disney/Pixar donkey. We, the kids, don’t care. Is it fun, funny, scary, happy, sad with great drawings? Yes? Then it’s fab.

When...Sat 30 2.00

Director: Peter SohnVoices: Raymond Ochoa, Jeffrey Wright,

Frances McDormandDuration: 101 minsOrigin: USA 2015Certificate: PG Company: Walt Disney Studios

24 RANTS AND PANTS www.therexberkhamsted.com

‘Court and Spark...’

The best thing about a local newspaper is it should have no news. It is today’s extension of the medieval stocks, delighting in rumour,

gossip and tittle tattle. It should report found purses, lost cats, scout badges, fund raising back-slappings and local births marriages and deaths. It’s public notices should be bigger than its court reports and posted boldly on the front pages to remind us of who is planning to demolish this to build that, or squeeze four blocks on to a 60 years old patch of grass. The worst thing about a local newspaper is it thinks it needs to print news. In this it aspires to the heights of Sun and the Daily Mail but not being clever enough, drops to a fourth division of the Daily Express, which nobody reads (less than half a million a day compared to approaching 2m for each of the other two ugly mongers). I was in court on 26th November. The Herts Ad sent a boy to listen in. I can’t believe, after listening carefully to all that was said for and against, he would agree to the following as an opening editorial line: “…He (Hannaway) knowingly exposed his family, his friends and members of the public to large amounts

of asbestos waste.” Especially after hearing the following from both HSE prosecution and (part of) the Judge’s summary…“This was negligent rather than deliberate, rather than reckless, rather even than careless and there is no suggestion at all that you were prompted by financial motivation.”I accept my plea and the Court’s decision as fair and just. To put your minds at rest and redress the Hert’s Ad’s reckless opening line. My conviction is solely based on neglect by not inviting a second asbestos report before beginning work on the building. Our first report handed over with the deeds of the building identified two main areas of asbestos. With advice, we cordoned these areas off out of harm’s way from the beginning and throughout. A second report commissioned two years later by our new project management team in 2011/12 showed there was a further presence of asbestos in the building - whilst still agreeing with our first report identifying the same two areas we had already cordoned off. The builders too left one cordoned off while they worked on the restoration.

www.therexberkhamsted.com RANTS AND PANTS 25

Aside 1: I have not trusted this second report. The company commissioned to make it also tendered for the work to remove it. Aside 2: In the last three months a third company’s research has found, there might NOT be asbestos in areas identified as positive, by that second report. I repeat, there is no dissent with the fair and just decision of the Court. This is simply about how it is reported locally. Yes, I wish we had sought further independent advice in 2010. The things we are discovering now will no doubt continue.

By demand, you came in hundreds to look inside, ignoring my own very real safety instructions about sensible footwear and torches. Nobody

brought a torch and most wore silly shoes. Luckily we lit the place like the Albert Hall (including emergency lighting) got the toilets working with towels and paper, had 20+ ushers running, the exit doors all greased and opening, bottled water on hand and St Johns Ambulance in place. I would not deliberately put you in harms way or in any danger, except

tripping, which gracefully, none of you did. The sweetest irony; one the hapless local press didn’t notice. On the evening of the same day (13th Oct) of my first court appearance, the St Albans Civic Society invited me to their annual celebrations to award the Odyssey a prize for outstanding contribution to St Albans. Timing...

In the meantime, local press is off our welcome list. Not just because it is inconsequential with no sense of purpose, but because it had a chance to

report evenly, but chose to open with a sly weasel twist of words… “He knowingly exposed his family, his friends and members of the public to….” To forgive is… But as I’m here in the unforgiven dept, I am reminded of a line exquisitely delivered by, a run out of patience, Alan Arkin. It became the driving will behind the rest of the film: Argo (Oscar for Best Film 2013 and ran at the Rex for months). For plain unequivocal non-weasel, non-twist of words: and at the risk of upsetting those for whom I care, you the local press can “argofuckyourself”... Happy New Year.

Man in a van...

26 RANTS AND PANTS www.therexberkhamsted.com

Alan Bennett: at 81 looking younger, taller and with the best hair in the room, here at the Rex with Adrian Scarborough on 7th December for our 11th anniversary. Before our special screening of his latest: The Lady in The Van, he and Adrian talked on stage in Q&A. It felt like an unhurried, easy, conversation between old friends. The audience loved it, especially the surprise. Very few knew beforehand, so a very special anniversary surprise indeed.

Mr Bennett leaving the Rex in a luxury chauffeured ‘van’ of his own.

Maggie Smith is The Lady in The Van

P ROGRAMME - The Rex Berkhamsted · 2019. 4. 3. · music. Beautiful. Page 21 Everything Is...

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